What are the common symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection?

Burning sensation when urinating
Frequent urination
Sudden urge to urinate
Passage of cloudy urine
Fever or chills
If you see any of these symptoms, please seek medical help immediately.

Why are women more likely to get UTI than men?

Women are more prone to urinary tract infection(UTI) than men. According to experts, one out of every two women may get UTI in their lifetime. This is probably due to their shorter urethra is shorter. This is the tube that transports urine from the bladder outside the body making it easier for bacteria (especially E.Coli which thrives in the large intestine) to travel from the rectum to the bladder. If untreated, the infection may spread to the kidney. If you have ever had UTI, you may consider increasing your water intake to prevent another infection.

Apart from increasing water intake, you can also take these steps recommended by Mayo clinic to reduce the risk of infection:

Drink cranberry juice. Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful.

Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.

Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.

Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.

Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.




http://www.healthx24.com/drinking-water-urinary-tract-infection/

Drinking more water daily is a simple but effective way to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI) in women at risk. This is the finding of a new study confirming what has often been recommended by doctors. This is the first time scientists have been able to demonstrate that this age long recommendation is evidence based.

According to the study, women at risk of UTIs that increased water intake by about three glasses daily were significantly less likely than those women that drink less daily.

Dr Hooton, the study’s lead author and clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami School of Medicine said:

“While doctors have long assumed this is the case and often recommended that women at risk for UTIs increase their fluid intake, it’s never really undergone a prospective trial before, It’s good to know the recommendation is valid, and that drinking water is an easy and safe way to prevent an uncomfortable and annoying infection. If a woman has recurrent UTIs and is looking for a way to reduce her risk, the evidence suggests that if she increases the amount of water she drinks and stays with it, she’ll likely benefit.”

The study included 140 healthy premenopausal women who had at least three UTIs in the last year and reported low daily fluid intake. Half of the women (70) who served as the control group continued their usual daily fluid intake, while the remainder were told to drink 1.5 liters of water a day (about three 16-ounce glasses) in addition to their usual daily fluid intake. After one year, women in the control group had 3.1 UTIs on average, whereas those in the water group had 1.6 UTIs on average, a 48 percent reduction. As a result, the water group averaged fewer regimens of antibiotics (1. than the limited-water group (3.5), a reduction of 47 percent. Reducing the use of antibiotics helps decrease the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Researchers followed the women throughout the year using visits and telephone calls. They documented that over the course of the study, on average women in the water group increased their daily water intake by 1.15 liters (about 2-1/2 pints) for a total daily fluid intake (including water and other beverages) of 2.8 liters, whereas women in the control group did not increase the amount of water they drank and had a total daily fluid intake of 1.2 liters.




Source:http://www.healthx24.com/drinking-water-urinary-tract-infection/

What do you need to maintain positive healthy relationships at the workplace? Despite sincere efforts you would mostly likely encounter colleagues that are difficult to deal with.

The World Mental Health day held on October, 10 was tagged Mental health in the workplace. This acknowledges the potential impact workplace activities and relationships may have on our emotional and mental well-being. Because of stress, personality traits and changing circumstances, you are likely to meet persons that you just can’t stand. So, how can you bring out the best in people at their worst?

Check out this NetCredit infographic below which provides 9 practical steps you can take to get along with even the most difficult people at the workplace.


See here>>> http://www.healthx24.com/infographic-how-you-can-get-along-with-difficult-people-at-work/

The use of smartphones and other electronic devices have inevitably increased with ongoing transition to a ‘paperless’ world. Many individuals (including kids) heavily rely on computers , tablets , phones and other devices for work , recreation, social interactions and communication.

Are you aware of how much screen time exposure you have daily? What can you do to reduce the impact on yur eyes? Consider the following suggestions:

Take frequent breaks- After some minutes of using the device, take time to relax the eye muscles. for example you can take 20 seconds to focus on distant objects (20 feet away) after 20 minutes. This is known as the 20:20:20 rule.

Blink often to moisten the eyes and prevent eye irritation. There is a tendency to blink less often when using devices. Therefore, consider scheduling this too. For example you could blink 10 times after 20 minutes of screen time exposure.

Eye fatigue, twitching and red eyes are suggestive of eye strain. you should consider a comprehensive eye examination to prevent further impact on your eyesight.




http://www.healthx24.com/mobile-phones-blindness/

Could excessive use of mobile phones really lead to blindness? In this unusual case highlighting the importance of using mobile phones with caution, a 21-year-old Chinese woman lost the ability to see with her right eye, after playing a popular mobile game almost non-stop for several hours.

According to the report on oddity central, the woman, known as Wu, apparently noticed that she couldn’t see anything with her right eye on October 1st, while playing her favorite mobile game, King of Glory. Thinking she was just tired, she went to bed, but when she woke up the next day, she was still blind in her right eye. Her parents took her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a serious condition known as retinal artery obstruction. This usually only occurs in older patients, but doctors said that Wu’s eyes were incredibly fatigued by the stressed of constantly staring into the small smartphone screen.

According to the 21-year old woman, “During my days off, I would wake up at 6am, eat breakfast and start playing until around 4pm. I would stop and eat something before taking a short nap and continue playing until 1am or 2am. Sometimes, I would even be too lazy to stop and eat.” The young woman is still in the hospital, where doctors are trying to restore her vision, but, so far, they have made little progress. When flashing a light in her eyes, Wu still reported seeing nothing with her right eye.

It is difficult to conclude if prolonged exposure to the screen of the mobile phone alone could have resulted in blindness. Nevertheless, it may have contributed to any underlying conditions that may have predisposed the woman to blindness.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/mobile-phones-blindness/

Should I buy a mosquito repellent smartphone? This is one question persons that live in Asia and Africa -where malaria and other deadly mosquito borne diseases are prevalent-may begin to think about if the worlds first mosquito repellent smartphone becomes successful.



South-Korean manufacturer LG recently released the world’s first mosquito repellent smartphone, which uses ultrasonic sound waves to keep the pesky bloodsuckers at bay.

Called the LG K7i, the innovative handheld was unveiled at the India Mobile Congress last week, and judging by early feedback, it’s set to become a best-seller in mosquito-infested countries. While advertised as a budget smartphone with relatively unimpressive technical specs, the K7i has a very unique advantage – it features LG’s “Mosquito Away” technology which can allegedly repel mosquitoes with the help of ultrasonic sound waves.

It uses no chemicals and requires no refills. Instead, it pumps 30KHz ultrasonic sound waves through a mesh speaker on the back of the phone to keep mosquitoes away.

The ultrasonic waves are said to be very effective at repelling the pesky pugs, but are “absolutely safe and harmless for humans”. According to LG, it repelled 72% of mosquitoes during tests.

However there’s also a lot of doubt regarding the K7i’s efficacy in keep mosquitoes away. According to CNN, the American Mosquito Control Association cites 10 studies in the last 15 years that have unanimously denounced ultrasonic mosquito repellents as being ineffective. “The fact is that these devices just do not work,” the association states. Time will tell if this is a genuine mosquito repellent or just a clever marketing gimmick.

Although, currently available in India, it would probably find its way into Africa and other parts of the world where the mosquito repellent business thrives.

Cc- laslastica, mynd44, Dominique



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/mosquito-repelling-smartphone/

Vitamins and supplements may be beneficial during pregnancy


A new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests there may be a link between a woman’s diet during pregnancy and childhood develomental disorders.

According to this new study conducted by researchers from Drexel University, multivitamin use during pregnancy may protect children with autism from intellectual problems.

“A potential link between supplement use during pregnancy and autism is intriguing because it suggests a possible avenue for risk reduction,” said Brian Lee, Ph.D., an associate professor and senior author of the study, which was published in BMJ (formerly The British Medical Journal).

Data for the study was drawn from children living in Stockholm County, Sweden, for at least four years between 2001 and 2011. Only children ranging in age from four to 15 at the end of 2011 were included.

To make results more robust, data from siblings was also taken into account to help offset some of the unseen factors in autism development, like heritability or otherwise healthy behaviors, researchers explained.

Little is known about how diet during pregnancy might affect the risk of a child developing autism, according to the study’s lead author, Elizabeth DeVilbiss, Ph.D., a recent graduate of the Dornsife School of Public Health at the university.

“There have been more studies in recent years about varied aspects of diet during pregnancy and autism risk involving multivitamins, iron, folic acid, vitamin D, and more, but the evidence is still inconclusive,” said DeVilbiss, now a postdoctoral fellow at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. “More work needs to be done in this area to clarify these potential relationships.”

Hoping to clarify autism risk linked to diet during pregnancy, DeVilbiss, Lee and their team, which also included researchers from the University of Bristol and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, also looked for potential changes in autism risk related to taking supplemental folic acid and iron. Both are supplements that have commonly been recommended for pregnant women.

While the study suggests that vitamins and supplements may be benefial during pregnancy, the exact combination of supplements for optimal impact remains unknown. For example, multivitamins had no effect on occurence of autism.

“We cannot rule out potential contributions by iron and folic acid,” DeVilbiss said. “Diet during pregnancy is complicated, and there are important factors we can’t assess with our data, such as dietary intake, dose, and timing. This is clearly an area for future work.”

In that future work, the hope is that more specifics can be nailed down, the researchers said.


Source:http://www.healthx24.com/new-study-suggests-that-using-multivitamins-during-pregnancy-reduces-the-risk-of-intellectual-disability-in-autism/

A new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests there may be a link between a woman’s diet during pregnancy and childhood develomental disorders.

According to this new study conducted by researchers from Drexel University, multivitamin use during pregnancy may protect children with autism from intellectual problems.

“A potential link between supplement use during pregnancy and autism is intriguing because it suggests a possible avenue for risk reduction,” said Brian Lee, Ph.D., an associate professor and senior author of the study, which was published in BMJ (formerly The British Medical Journal).

Data for the study was drawn from children living in Stockholm County, Sweden, for at least four years between 2001 and 2011. Only children ranging in age from four to 15 at the end of 2011 were included.

To make results more robust, data from siblings was also taken into account to help offset some of the unseen factors in autism development, like heritability or otherwise healthy behaviors, researchers explained.

Little is known about how diet during pregnancy might affect the risk of a child developing autism, according to the study’s lead author, Elizabeth DeVilbiss, Ph.D., a recent graduate of the Dornsife School of Public Health at the university.

“There have been more studies in recent years about varied aspects of diet during pregnancy and autism risk involving multivitamins, iron, folic acid, vitamin D, and more, but the evidence is still inconclusive,” said DeVilbiss, now a postdoctoral fellow at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. “More work needs to be done in this area to clarify these potential relationships.”

Hoping to clarify autism risk linked to diet during pregnancy, DeVilbiss, Lee and their team, which also included researchers from the University of Bristol and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, also looked for potential changes in autism risk related to taking supplemental folic acid and iron. Both are supplements that have commonly been recommended for pregnant women.

While the study suggests that vitamins and supplements may be benefial during pregnancy, the exact combination of supplements for optimal impact remains unknown. For example, multivitamins had no effect on occurence of autism.

“We cannot rule out potential contributions by iron and folic acid,” DeVilbiss said. “Diet during pregnancy is complicated, and there are important factors we can’t assess with our data, such as dietary intake, dose, and timing. This is clearly an area for future work.”

In that future work, the hope is that more specifics can be nailed down, the researchers said.




Source:http://www.healthx24.com/new-study-suggests-that-using-multivitamins-during-pregnancy-reduces-the-risk-of-intellectual-disability-in-autism/

The recent outbreak of Monkeypox, a rare illness in Bayelsa , Nigeria is a source of concern for many, bringing back memories of Ebola and other viral illnesses of animal origin. At least 12 suspected cases have been confirmed and 49 persons are in isolation. This is one of the recent outbreaks of Monkeypox in Africa.



What do you know about Monkeypox? How does it spread? Are you at risk? What can you do to prevent its spread? Consider 10 important facts about this viral disease.

1.The first outbreak of Human monkeypox was reported in 1970 in a 9 year old boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then known as Zaire). Overtime, at least 5 significant outbreaks have been reported in Afica and one in the UnitedStates. Prior to the most recent outbreak which as so far affected 12 individuals in Bayelsa, there was onenin Central African Republic between August and October which affected 26 persons and claimed 2 lives.

2. Although named after monkeys ,it may also be from squirrels , Gambian rats and rodents. Direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of any of these infected animals may lead to human infection. Persons who handle such animal s in the lab or while preparing food are at risk of Monkeypox, Ebola and other animal borne diseases.

3.The cases of Monkeypox appears to be on the rise. Some expert s have attributed it to the cessation of smallpox vaccines. According to Dr Rimoin, “Monkeypox has probably occurred for millennia in central Africa, but it’s only since the eradication of smallpox that it’s been a disease that actually happens in humans. The consequence of ceasing smallpox vaccination is the world’s population is now sensitive to poxviruses.”

4.Monkeypox is so similar to smallpox which was eradicated in 1980 following a global immunization campaign driven by the World Health Organization. The symptoms of Monkeypox are like a milder form of small pox. All the symptoms are similar except lymph node enlargement which typically occurs in Monkeypox. The two conditions are so close that smallpox protects an individual against Monkeypox too.

5.The common features of Monkeypox such as fever, headache, muscle aches and skin rash mimic other common febrile conditions such as chicken pox, measles and scabies. Generally the skin rask is widespread and larger than chickenpox. Do not hesitate to seek medical help if you notice any of these features.


6. Even without treatment, Monkeypox infection stops within 2 to 4 weeks. However, the risk of death occurs in severe cases. The illness makes an individual vulnerable to other infections and also affect the functioning of important organs in the body.

7.Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission. Close physical contact with monkeypox infected people should be avoided. Household members of those with features of monkeypox should endeavour to take special precautions. Gloves and protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill people. Regular hand washing should be carried out after caring for or visiting sick people.



8.To prevent direct infection from animals, stay away from rats, squirrels and monkeys, if possible. .Thoroughly cook all animal products before eating. In addition, gloves and other appropriate protective clothing should be worn while handling sick animals or their infected tissues, and during slaughtering procedures.




Source:http://www.healthx24.com/monkeypox-8-quick-facts-you-should-know/

Rootprof:
Nice one...I know many people here on nairaland will pretend like they've never had bed bug experience before..Will I agree with the op and the writer. Many hotels and house in Nigeria have bugs. I visited one hotel as I was seating on the cushion chair,one guy said something is biting him that there is bugs in the chair .. instantly I jejely stand,left for my house then on getting home I removed every cloth on me spread it outside to be washed the following day ...I no wan hear story

True!... If bedbugs can be found in some of the best hotels around the world you shouldn't be surprised if its found locally too...

The 37-year old Egyptian woman weighed 1,102 pounds (500 kg), her family reported, prior to undergoing weight reduction surgery at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai in March.

All signs looked positive immediately following the surgery for Eman, who had lost more than 200 pounds prior to the operation.

“She is very happy, she started dancing in her bed,” Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, the surgeon who performed her laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy operation, told CNN in March. “Her smile has come back.” The surgery involves removing part of the stomach so that only a “sleeve,” roughly the size and shape of a banana, is left behind, along with the muscle that controls emptying food into the intestine.

Eman overcame a number of hurdles to reach what her family had hoped to be a life-saving surgery in Mumbai, including an initial refusal to grant her a visa because of her inability to get to the embassy in person. After surmounting that problem with the help of an Indian minister, she then faced the difficulty of boarding an airplane.

Egypt Air specially adapted a cargo plane to transport her to India.

Following the surgery, Lakdawala said her kidney function had improved.

“She has done well post-surgery,” he told CNN in March. At that time, he intended for her to lose another 155 to 175 pounds (70 to 80 kg) within the next couple of months. The plan was to then send her home to Egypt and schedule a second surgery for next year.

Eman was later transferred to Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi. There, her condition was managed by a medical team of more than 20 doctors in different specialties.

However, her heart and kidneys coul d no longer function.

Her family expressed appreciation for the care provided by Burjeel Hospital and the support of the people of the UAE, according to the hospital statement. “Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to her family,” Burjeel Hospital staff said in the statement.



It is easy to conclude that people are overweight due to overeating, but this may not really be so. Some like Eman really have hormonal or genetic conditions which lead to obesity from childhood. According to a former “world’s heaviest’ Manuel Uribe who died at age 48 years, “People think that I can eat a whole cow but it’s not just overeating, it’s also a hormonal problem.”

Persons with obesity are predisposed to diabetes and high blood pressure which are the major causes of kidney disease and death. The risk of chronic kidney disease triples with morbid obesity. The impact of massive weight gain on the heart and kidneys may explain why some morbidly obese die in their forties. Therefore, early interventions may be needed to prevent serious complications.

What can you do to get rid of bed bugs?

Each female bedbug produces 200-500 eggs over 6-12 months making bed bugs really difficult to eliminate. Therefore, prevention is a your best option.

Regularly inspect your mattresses and furniture for bugs

Be cautious with bringing second hand furniture into the home

This is best handled by professionals. However, you may be able to control minor cases of infestations. In doing this, bear in mind the following principles:

You have to plan well in advance before commencing treatment because it may take months to eradicate them. Do you need inform neighbours, waste disposal agents? Where would you keep infested items? How often do you intend to monitor?

You would need to use multiple approaches to succeed. This is because some bugs may develop resistance to pesticides

Some common methods used include heat, cold, drying agents and chemicals

Check for new bugs every few days after a cycle of treatment

For skin bites, topical treatment like antihistamine or hydrocortisol creams may be needed.



http://www.healthx24.com/bed-bugs-spread/

New research on bed bugs reveal why the spread of the tiny blood sucking insects has increased globally. This is probably because of their quest for human odour in dirty clothes in bags, wardrobes and other places. According to a recent study, the bugs are attracted to residual human odour in clothes and gather round bags or furniture where such clothes are found.

The study titled ‘Bed bug aggregation on dirty laundry: a mechanism for passive dispersal’ was published in the September 2017 issue of the journal Scientific reports.

The Sheffield scientists found that in the absence of a human host, bed bugs were twice as likely to aggregate on bags containing soiled clothes compared to bags containing clean clothes.

Results from the research suggest that residual human odour on soiled clothes acts as an elicitor of host-seeking behaviour in bed bugs. Consequently, dirty laundry left in an open suitcase, or left on the floor of an infested room may attract bed bugs.

Dr William Hentley from the University of Sheffield said: “Bed bugs are a huge problem for hotel and homeowners, particularly in some of the world’s biggest and busiest cities. Once a room is infested with bed bugs, they can be very difficult to get rid of, which can result in people having to dispose of clothes and furniture that can be really costly.

“Our study suggests that keeping dirty laundry in a sealed bag, particularly when staying in a hotel, could reduce the chances of people taking bed bugs home with them, which may reduce the spread of infestations.”

Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on human blood. They generally live in cracks and crevices in and around beds. At night, they crawl out to bite and suck human blood. This can be emotionally or physically distressing. It could also be costly. Recently, a woman sued a rental company because they provided a bed infested with bugs which led to room infestation and skin rash.



If you regularly stay at hotels, you may be at risk of taking bed bugs home. Travelers from different part of the world may unknowingly carry bed bugs that have aggregated in their bags leading to infestation of hotel rooms. That is why even some of the best hotels in the world may still be vulnerable to bed bug infestation.

How can you tell if you have bed bugs?

Because minor infestations are a lot easier to manage, you should regularly look for signs of bed bugs. More so, if you have stayed at hotels or other places in the recent past, you may need to ascertain if you have not accidentally brought them home.

Bed bugs crawl quickly from one room to another, if unchecked. Therefore, actively look for the following physical signs (You may need a torchlight for this), mostly around the mattress, bed frame, cracks and crevices:

Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses

Tiny dark spots which may be their poo

Skin bites which are itchy bumps on the arms, legs, face, neck and other exposed areas of the body. It is easy to attribute this to mosquito bites in tropical countries where these insects flourish. However, further investigation may reveal the bites are actually from bed bugs.




Source:http://www.healthx24.com/bed-bugs-spread/

What causes psoriasis?

No one knows the exact cause. However, genetics and the immune system play a role. Therefore, you are likely to get it if someone in the family has the skin condition.

Certain health conditions are more likely to occur with psoriasis. These include:

Psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and swelling.

Cardiovascular problems, which affect the heart and blood circulation system.

Obesity.

High blood pressure.

Diabetes.

Is there a cure for psoriasis?

Unfortunately there is no cure. However, scientist are actively looking for one. That is why a better understanding of why it is difficult to treat offers hope to millions of persons that currently have this skin condition worldwide. There are different types of psoriasis. In one of the most serious forms, scaly lesions appear throughout the body. You should see your doctor immediately, if you have this type of psoriasis.

How is psoriasis treated?

Mild to forms of psoriasis respond well to common topical treatments such as:

Topical corticosteroids
Coal tar which is available as creams and soaps
Salicylic acid
Moisturizing creams which reduce itching when applied immediately after bath
Some of these topical treatments cause skin irritation too.
Alternative forms of treatment include bathing of Epsom salts, aloe vera creams and fish oil supplements.
Doctors may also recommend light therapy which may be mild (brief exposure to sunlight) or intense such as phototherapy.

Hopefully, this improved understanding of psoriasis would help researchers to find better solutions to this chronic skin condition.



http://www.healthx24.com/psoriasis-skin-disease-difficult-treat/

Psoriasis is difficult to treat because some T cells remain behind despite current treatments. This was the finding of a new study published in the Journal of Clinical investigation.

According to the senior author, Dr Rachel Clark of the department of dermatology, “when psoriasis is treated, T cells that flooded in during inflammation recede like the tide.” “They leave behind a population of cells that stand out.”

The T cells are part of the body’s immune system permanently stationed in the skin to fight off infection.

“We believe these resident memory T cells are the root of the problem. Imagine these cells are teenagers throwing a party. They invite lots of other cells to the site of the party, making it hard to identify them while the party is in full swing. It’s only after inflammation dies down and everyone else goes home that we can see these culprits,” said Clark. “A small number of cells can cause so much trouble. But depleting this population of cells may be the key to slowing down this disease or preventing its recurrence.”



More information about Psoriasis
What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when the body’s defenders become hyperactive, leading to swelling and rapid turnover of skin cells. In psoriasis, new skin cells are produced prematurely (within 3-4 days instead of 30 days) leading to accumulation at the surface. This appears as skin lesions that are red, scaly and itchy. The skin lesions show up on the scalp, hands and feet, genitals and skin folds.

How common is the skin condition?

According to some sources, it affects up to 125 million persons worldwide. In the United States alone, up to 8 million persons suffer from this condition. Although, the skin condition is less common in dark skinned individuals, there have been reports that the occurrence is increasing. In Nigerian study of patients attending a skin clinic, Psoriasis was found in one out of 100 patients. It was slightly commoner in men, those in there 40’s and triggered by stress, alcohol, and medications.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/psoriasis-skin-disease-difficult-treat/

Emily22:
Rubbish,,,,chop nuts for 5 years. when u can hit d gym and get a nice shape in 3 months ......

Most people don't have time and passion for that you know

Do you eat nuts regularly? You should consider making it an important part of your meal if you are working on your weight. Why? A new study reported that those that eat nuts regularly may find it easier to lose weight. This is contrary to the long held belief that nuts should be avoided by persons interested in losing weight.

Can nuts really help you lose weight?
Yes, according to researchers. Although, they are packed with calories, nuts initiate certain changes in brain activities that affect weight. One important way is by making you feel full or less hungry. This reduces your craving for food.

This was acknowledged by the lead author of the the study on “nuts and obesity” who said: ‘We know people report feeling fuller after eating walnuts, but it was pretty surprising to see evidence of activity changing in the brain related to food cues, and by extension what people were eating and how hungry they feel.

In the large scale study, researchers from the university and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) thoroughly analysed the diets and weight of 373,000 adults aged between 25 and 70 from 10 European countries.

The study looked at how the weight of individuals who ate peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and pistachios changed over a five year period.

Many people often believe that nuts might lead to greater weight gain because of their high fat content, but Dr Sabaté noted that the fat levels are almost entirely comprised of ‘good fats.’

Eat nuts during your meal,’ said Dr Joan Sabaté, the director of the Center for Nutrition, Lifestyle and Disease Prevention at Loma Linda University School of Public Health in California.

‘Put them at the center of your plate to replace animal products. They’re very satiating.

Nuts are not obesogenic said Dr Sabate.

In addition to this benefit of nuts, it is important to remember that nuts are also packed with heart friendly nutrients. One study suggested that people who eat nuts regularly are less likely to have heart attacks. This is why the FDA recommend that

“Eating a diet that includes one ounce of nuts daily can reduce your risk of heart disease.”

This study opens up more meal options for persons keen on losing weight. Nevertheless, you are unlikely to enjoy these benefits of eating nuts if you don’t skip other snacks because nuts are packed with calories.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/eating-nuts-regularly-may-help-you-lose-weight-study-finds/

What can you do to reduce the impact of violent media on children?

Consider the following suggestions from experts:

1.Let your child know how you feel about violence. Do you enjoy watching violent movies? If so, do not be surprised if your child enjoys them too. One study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that parents who watched a lot of movies were more likely to say it was OK for younger kids to watch movies that had R-rated violence and sexual content.

2.Know what your child is watching. Be interested in what your child watches or the video games he enjoys. Be sure that this is properly rated e.g. PG (parental guidance). You may need to do research on TV shows, popular movies and games before your child is exposed to them. Also, confirm with teachers at school or day care centres if there are firm restrictions on the media available to children. In some day care centres, babysitters tune to channels that feature adult movies even in the presence of the children they supervise.

3.Explain the consequences of violent behaviour to your children. Children may assume that violent behaviour is not really harmful just because there’s no blood in cartoons and video games. They should understand that in the real world, people are likely to end up behind bars or be killed for violent behaviour.

4.Set restrictions on how much time your child spends on the watching movies and other media. This is especially so if the movie is potentially violent. The more involved the child is, the more likely the movie would have an impact on the child. For example, movies that feature real characters that the child can identify with may potentially have more impact. Rather than giving children unhindered access to cable TV, you may need to block some channels or tape selected programs for them to watch. Remember to replace violent content with positive and wholesome entertainment.

5.Show your child non-violent ways of resolving conflicts. Rather than resolve issues with their fists or weapons, encourage your child to find socially acceptable ways of resolving disagreements. This may involve reporting to relevant authorities and being assertive.

Although multiple factors beyond watching violent movies contribute to violent behaviour, taking steps to reduce exposure to violent media is worthwhile.



http://www.healthx24.com/violent-media-children-guns/

Many movies, video games, online media and cartoons feature characters using guns. What impact can these movies have on the attitude of your child to violence and the use of weapons? A new study reported that children exposed to movies containing guns are likely to become more aggressive and pull the trigger, if given the opportunity.

This was the finding of a study titled Effects of Exposure to Gun Violence in Movies on Children’s Interest in Real Guns, published September, 2017 in JAMA Pediatrics.

In other to find out if watching a seeing a movie featuring guns could elicit interests in real guns, the researchers conducted an experiment involving 52 pairs of children that were randomly assigned to two groups. While one group saw a 20-minute edited version of the PG-rated films “The Rocketeer” or “National Treasure” that contained guns, the other group watched the same movies without scenes showing guns.

When the kids were left to play unsupervised in a room containing a real but disabled gun, those that watched the movie with scenes containing guns pulled the triggers more often than those in the other group. Interestingly, they also spent more time holding the gun and were more likely to play aggressively or fire at people.

Does this study prove that watching violence makes a person violent? Not really. Several factors including personality, mental well-being, and use of hard drugs also contribute to violent behaviour. Nevertheless, this study adds to the growing evidence linking violent media, which is increasingly pervasive, with violent behaviour in children.

In recent times, there have been reports of children accidentally shooting others. For instance, in 2015, a 2-year-old shot herself with a 20-gauge shotgun she found on a table. Two months later, one 12 year old boy shot his 9-year-old brother. In another related incident, a 5 year old found her grandmother’s gun under the pillow and shot herself in the neck. These rise in the incidents of gun related violence is a source of concerns to many parents.

Could exposure to gun violence in movies and other forms of media have contributed to these incidents? We don’t know. Nevertheless, violent media has become pervasive in today’s world and experts have suggested that this have an impact on how people feel about using it to resolve issues For instance, these movies ‘normalize’ violent behaviour which could make it more difficult for people to exercise restraint in the use of violence.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/violent-media-children-guns/

What are the common sources of pollution in our environment?

It is important to note that not all forms of pollution are visible.

Carbon monoxide from burning fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

Nitrogen dioxide is comes mostly from cars and trucks, plants that generate electricity, and burning wood.

Ground-level ozone, which are released from factories, and organic compounds, which are released naturally from plants. Ozone near the ground is not beneficial like the ozone layer in the stratosphere, and is a major part of smog.

Ultrafine aerosols are tiny particles in the air. Also released from cars, trucks, and power plants. These particles travel deep into their lungs and the tissue of the lungs. Household cleaning supplies, pesticides, cigarettes, perfumes, air freshners

Most people are exposed to traffic related while walking, in the vehicle, standing on busy streets.

Children who live in areas with heavy traffic are at greater risk of breathing problems.

What are some tips for reducing exposure to air pollution?

Consider low traffic routes when outdoors or choosing school or residence
Do not keep the engine of the car running in a poorly ventilated area
Compost rather than burn waste. This may also improve soil quality and save money
Remove shoes at the door
Keep trash covered to prevent pests
Reduce the use of air freshener
According to recent estimates, nine out of 10 of the world’s population live in places where air pollution exceeds safe limits.

These grim facts about air pollution clearly call for a need to address this issue. According to Dr Chris Murray, ‘’Of all the different risk factors for premature deaths, this is one area, the air we breathe, over which individuals have little control. Policy makers in health and environment agencies, as well as leaders in various industries, are facing growing demands –and expectations to address this problem.’’



http://www.healthx24.com/air-pollution-is-bad-for-your-kidneys-study-finds/

Do you live in a city with high levels of pollution? If so, you may need to do more to protect your kidneys. No doubt, most people know that air pollution is bad for their health. Nevertheless, a new study has now added Kidneys to the growing list of organs that may be damaged by breathing polluted air. This is the first study that would actually link air pollution to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, September , 2017.

In the study, researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System looked at the impact of polluted air on 2.5 million individuals between 2004 and 2013. Interestingly, they found that 44,793 new cases of kidney disease and 2,438 new cases of kidney failure may be due to air pollution amongst other factors.

Why does air pollution affect the kidneys?

According to experts, ‘fine particles can damage the kidneys in the same way they damage other organs such as the heart and lungs. Airborne and invisible, microscopic pieces of dust, dirt, smoke, soot and liquid droplets often become destructive when they invade the bloodstream. The kidneys filter the blood, and these harmful particles can disrupt normal kidney function.’’

Interestingly, even low levels of pollution may adversely affect the kidneys.

“The higher the levels of air pollution, the worse it is for the kidneys,” said Al-Aly, who is also the VA’s director of clinical epidemiology in St. Louis. “However, no level is completely safe. Even at relatively low levels, there was a relationship between particulate matter concentrations below the EPA thresholds and kidney disease.”

Why is this information important?

Air pollution occurs when gases, particles and other chemicals are released in the air we breathe. These substances are harmful and may cause serious health problems.

Air pollution is the deadliest form of pollution on the planet. According to recent studies, over 6 million people die from air pollution-related diseases annually.

Air pollution has been linked to several serious medical conditions such as:

High blood pressure
Stroke
Chronic Lung diseases
Asthma
Lung cancer
In 2016, studies revealed that Nigeria is home to some of the most polluted cities worldwide. Onitsha, Kaduna, Aba and Umuahia, all industrial hubs in Nigeria where listed in the top 20 cities with worst air pollution. See complete list below:




See countries with the highest levels of pollution related deaths according to the World Health Organization.



See photos here>>> Source:http://www.healthx24.com/air-pollution-is-bad-for-your-kidneys-study-finds/

What impact does stress have on hair colour?

Generally hair follicles produce less colour with age. This occurs as hair goes through its normal cycle of death and regrowth. Stress may speed up this cycle, making it more likely that gray hair would appear after sometime. Could this be why presidents seem to ”age rapidly” in office? Perhaps. But genetic, nutritional and other health related factors play a role too.

What are the possible options? There are three main options: Most people try to restore the original colour by going for hair treatments. There are hair products that can hair products that are used to conceal gray hairs depending on the severity.

The other option is to embrace gray hair. Those that are unable to keep up with the hassles of periodic hair treatments often fall back on this approach like Anderson Cooper on CNN.



“The myth that gray hair makes you old is just that — a myth. If you were young, vibrant, active, healthy pre-gray, you’re still going to be that way. It’s all in the attitude you bring to it. If you think of it as merely another color choice, you won’t be afraid of gray, says Diana Jewell, author of Going Gray, Looking Great.

It is important to note that premature graying is not a medical problem except in rare cases. Nevertheless, do not hesitate to seek help if it is associated with other medical conditions.



http://www.healthx24.com/hair-gray-prematurely/

Have you observed an increase in the strands of gray hair lately? Why does hair tun gray prematurely? You may ask. Very likely you and your friends attributed this to stress. But is stress really to blame for gray hair? Not really. Hair turns gray on account of several factors other than stress.

What are some of the common causes and the options available?

Genetics play a key role in premature gray hair. In a 2016 study of the DNA of 6000 individuals, a specific gene tied to gray hair colour found. “As hair grays something happens that causes this gene to produce even lower levels of melanin,” said Kaustubh Adhikari, a professor of cell and developmental biology at the University of College London.

Hair colour is attributed to melanin, a dark brown to black pigment. When the genes turn off melanin production, premature gray hairs are likely to appear. A look at your parents, could give you a reasonable idea of when to expect gray hairs. This explains why some teens and others under 30 may have gray hairs.

According to Dr Robert H. Shmerling,

The vast majority of people with gray hair have age-related graying. However, sometimes graying hair indicates an illness, especially if it occurs at a particularly young age. Health problems that may be heralded by gray hair include:

vitamin B12 deficiency
neurofibromatosis (also called Von Recklinghausen’s disease): this group of inherited diseases causes tumors to grow along nerves and abnormal development of the bones and skin.
tuberous sclerosis: an uncommon, inherited condition that causes benign tumors in multiple organs (including the brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, lungs, and skin).
thyroid disease
vitiligo: this condition causes melanocytes (the cells at the base of hair follicles that produce color) to be lost or destroyed — perhaps because the immune system “misfires” and attacks the scalp rather than an infection.
alopecia areata: a disorder in which patches of hair may be suddenly lost, especially the colored (non-gray) hairs. This may lead to “overnight” graying because previously present gray or white hairs suddenly become more obvious. When hair growth resumes, it may be white or gray, but colored hair may eventually return.
Some research also links premature graying to heart disease and low bone mass (called osteopenia, a precursor of osteoporosis). How these conditions relate to hair graying is unclear. Cigarette smoking can also cause premature graying.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/hair-gray-prematurely/

Can family members have access to your health information?

Not without your permission. However, if the family member e.g. spouse is at ‘’specific risk of harm’’ in relation to your diagnosis, the doctor may have to warn such individuals. For instance, a person with mental illness may threaten to harm another individual. In this instance, the psychiatrist may have a ‘duty to warn’ such persons to protect them. Also, healthcare personnel are required to report specific cases in the interest of the public. These include serious health conditions that are rare or highly infectious such as Ebola, Cholera and Lassa fever.

Unfortunately, healthcare personnel may inadvertently release patient details to the public in some of the following cases:

1.Inefficient methods of safeguarding patient’s data. Recently, there were fears that electronic records of patients may have been compromised in the largest attack on NHS, UK. Also, in many developing countries, paper records are still used. Such files may be left on consulting tables were relatives or unauthorized personnel may have access to them. Unfortunately, some patient records have been scanned and circulated on social media.
2.During interactions with others: Sometimes, healthcare personnel excitedly discuss patient’s details in public places such as restaurants, bars or parks or conferences. When they do so without removing data that can used to identify the patient, they may be violating patient’s right to confidentiality.
3.Pressure from media and other interested parties: Sometimes, healthcare staff come under intense pressure from the media and other interested parties. Unfortunately, some disclose patient’s details without the consent of the person involved.
4.Some doctors feel they are no longer bound by the terms of confidentiality because the patient is now deceased. This is wrong. Recently, a book detailing the last days of Mandela included details of his health problems. The book was eventually withdrawn because the doctor included information that may constitute a breach of doctor-patient confidentiality and the family have threatened to sue.


What can help a doctor decide if it is appropriate to disclose such information?

According to Dr Jessica De Bord, one way is to ask yourself the following question: will lack of this specific patient information put another person or group you can identify at high risk of serious harm? If the answer to this question is no, it is unlikely that an exception to confidentiality is ethically (or legally) warranted.

What can you do if you suspect your personal information has been released without you consent?

Patients’ rights are protected under the law and a breach of confidentiality that causes some harm to the patient is a valid reason for suing the health care staff. You may need to bring this up with appropriate authorities or seek legal opinion.



http://www.healthx24.com/confidentiality-personal-information-hospital/

Is your personal information safe with your doctor?Can the hospital release your personnel information to law enforcement agents without your consent? This question was re-ignited by the recent arrest of a nurse in the United States for refusing to hand over

This happened with Salt Lake City nurse Alex Wubbels.

As the charge nurse in the University of Utah Hospital’s burn unit, Wubbels was responsible for a truck driver who had been severely injured in a head-on crash with another vehicle that was driven by someone fleeing police.

The driver the police had been pursuing was killed in the July 26 crash. The truck driver was unconscious.

Jeff Payne, a part-time paramedic who also has been on the Salt Lake City police force for 27 years, arrived at the hospital to draw blood from the truck driver.

However, state and federal laws, as well as the hospital’s policy, forbid police officers from drawing fluids without a warrant or patient consent. Payne had neither.

Wubbels explained to Payne she wouldn’t fulfill the request.

In the video of the incident, released by Wubbels and her lawyer on August 31, Wubbels is seen talking to a hospital administrator and holding a copy of the hospital’s policy.

“The patient can’t consent,” Wubbels says to the person on the phone and the police officers surrounding her. “He’s [Payne] told me repeatedly that he doesn’t have a warrant and the patient is not under arrest. So I’m just trying to do what I’m supposed to do. That’s all.”

Payne responds, “So I take it, without those in place, I’m not going to get blood. Am I fair to surmise that?”

Wubbels appears confused as to Payne’s aggression. “I have no idea why he’s blaming me,” she tells the person on the phone.

Then Payne lunges at Wubbels and proceeds to aggressively push her out of the hospital and handcuff her with her hands behind her back.

This footage was caught on an officer’s body camera.

What you should know about doctor-patient confidentiality

All healthcare personnel especially doctors are expected to keep patient’s personal information private unless the patient voluntarily consents to its release. This process of safeguarding the patient’s personal information-confidentiality- is a key part of medical practice.

Why is it very important? Without doctor –patient confidentiality, doctors can’t be assured of access to critical information required to provide timely interventions.

This is because no one (including patients) entrusts sensitive information to someone that is likely to betray his or her secrets.

Many people experience health problems that are heavily stigmatized such as mental, sexual, reproductive health issues. If such ones do not trust their doctors to protect such sensitive information from the public, they are less likely to willingly seek treatment.

Is the doctor the only member of your healthcare team that has access to your personal information?

No. All the members of the healthcare team have access to confidential information of patients they care for and are expected to safeguard it too. So, nurses, laboratory staff, pharmacist, health records any have access to one information or the other in the course of providing care. Also, doctors may need to share some information with their colleagues while trying to seek their opinion of aspects of the treatment. However, this is expected to be without providing details that could link you to the information.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/confidentiality-personal-information-hospital/

What is Vitiligo?

It is a skin condition characterized by white patches which are commonly found on the face. It could also be found in other parts of the body such as the eyes, armpit, groin, mouth, hand and foot. It also has the tendency of spreading. Vitiligo is close to another chronic skin condition, psoriasis. Sadly, Vitiligo is associated with social problems stigmatization, problems in sexual function, anxiety, self-esteem and difficulty finding employment

How Common Is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo occurs in less than 1% of general population. It cuts across all ages, gender and race. It usually occurs in the second and third decades of life. In very rare cases, babies may be born with vitiligo.

What are the possible Causes?

This is largely unknown but the following has been postulated:

An autoimmune disorder, body’s immune system fighting the skin cells.
Runs in the family
Stress
Sunburn
Is There a Cure for Vitiligo?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for vitiligo. Nevertheless, there are a few ways of managing the condition such as:

Camouflage
Use of corticosteroid cream
PUVA light therapy with psolaren cream.
Skin graft
This human story highlights the importance of cultivating resources to cope with health challenges. You may find yourself living with health conditions beyond your control. Some feel helpless and worried while others experience guilt, shame and depression. Rather than allow this become the focus of their lives, some like Curtis McDaniel turned adversity to opportunities, becoming a source of inspiration to millions of others worldwide.



http://www.healthx24.com/vitiligo-top-model-despite-skin-condition/

Curtis McDaniel, a 22 year old with vitiligo has redefined the modeling world. For him, the journey to stardom was not palatable and it was as if the whole world was against him. At the age of 11, he noticed a white spot on his skin which ceased to go. “I didn’t know what it was, and it wasn’t coming off. I told my mom, and she made a dermatology appointment”. Daniel was diagnosed with vitiligo, a chronic skin condition associated with emotional distress.

Unlike other kids, growing up was a challenge to Daniel. As the white spots continued to spread to other parts, the humiliation he suffered from his peers increased. “They used to call me zebra, burnt lips, giraffe, Michael Jackson,” he said. “I got into a few fights because of it .I got kicked out of class a lot.”He lost his self esteem and this made him consider the option of wearing makeup to conceal his spots. “When people said I was ugly, I actually believed that,” he said. “There were times when I was in my room when I was going through a lot and I just wanted to commit suicide.”

The turning point for Curtis was at 16. His father talked to him and this brought him out of his shell, although shortly thereafter he lost him. “He was like, ‘no, I want you to be better than me…….When you grow up, never put your hand on a woman. Never drink. Never smoke. Never do drugs. And above all things, put God first,” McDaniel said. Overtime his confidence improved to the point of being able to leave home without make-up. He began to love himself.

Curtis McDaniel’s modeling potential became clear in 2015 when he posted a selfie on Instagram. He became the delight of many photographers when the picture got viral and the rest is history. Curtis overcame the odds to become a source of inspiration to kids with similar health problems. “I’m going to pursue that and modeling,” he said.

Would you like to know more about Vitiligo? Consider the following frequently asked questions?



Source: http://www.healthx24.com/vitiligo-top-model-despite-skin-condition/

Top actress, Ms Walsh popularly know forher role in Grey’s anatomy recently revealed she had a brain tumour-Meningioma.

“I was shocked,” Walsh said of the moment doctors revealed her MRI results. “It was not what I expected.”

The tumour was removed by neurosurgeons at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, three days after a diagnosis was made. After removing the tumor, doctors confirmed that it was benign.

What were some of the warning signs of the brain tumour? About 2 years ago, she could recall she was really exhausted following her role in another TV series “Bad Judge.”

“I could drink five cups of coffee and not wake up,” she told CNN

“I would reach for words or thoughts, and I just couldn’t finish them,” Walsh said. This was on account of cognitive difficulties that occurred later.

According to reports, ”She found it hard to concentrate. Her balance was off, and she developed shooting headaches.

By the time she made it to the doctor in June 2015, he even noticed that the right side of her face was drooping slightly. It was then that doctors found the benign tumor, which was just over 5 centimeters long, pushing on her left frontal lobe.

Could her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery on “Grey’s Anatomy” and the spinoff “Private Practice have prepared her for this illness? No. She had not even heard of the term ”meningioma” before.

“I was so relieved to know that it was something” that could be fixed, Walsh said of the tumor. Her advice: “Trust your instincts. Trust your body.” She has revealed the tumour to encourage the public to get annual checkups.

More Information about brain tumours

Brain tumors occur when abnormal cells grow within or around the brain. Because of the impact of the tumour on brain tissue, it is not uncommon for a person’s emotions, thinking and movement to be affected.
The most common type of brain tumor is Glioblastoma. This is malignant and very aggressive. Recently, Senator John McCain underwent surgery for glioblastoma.


Source:http://www.healthx24.com/greys-anatomy-brain-tumor-diagnosis/

Have you ever experienced hiccups? If so, you may wonder if there is any reliable way of making hiccups go away. A search on Google revealed 93 million results on hiccups. Some of the frequently asked questions are: Why do you get hiccups? What is the best medicine for hiccups? How can you stop hiccups?

Hiccups occur when there is a sudden contraction of the muscles that support the lungs and ribs. This results in a rapid, involuntary intake of air. The closure of the vocal cords produces the hiccup sound which is similar to catching one’s breath when crying. What are some of the common causes?

Smoking

Excessive food, alcohol or air in the stomach

Stress and other emotional conditions

How can you stop hiccups?

Unfortunately, there is currently no sure-fire method of making hiccups go away. In some cases, all need do is ‘nothing.’ Why? Most hiccups last a few minutes, so you just need to patiently endure the period. There are a number of home remedies and drugs that people claim may make hiccups go away. However, most of them are not really supported by scientific evidence.

According to Harvard Health, some possibly effective methods of stopping hiccups are:

Pulling on your tongue

Swallowing granulated sugar

Gargling with water

Sipping ice water,

Drinking from the far side of a glass,

Biting on a lemon

Tapping or rubbing the back of the neck

Gently stroking the back of the throat with a long cotton swab

Holding your breath

Breathing into a paper bag

Pulling your knees up to your chest and leaning forward

Distracting your mind from the fact that you have the hiccups.
In some cases hiccups may last more than a few minutes, hours or days. According to the Guinness book of world records, the longest attack of hiccups is held by Charles Osborne (1894-1991) of Anthon, Iowa, the US. He started hiccupping in 1922 and continued till 1990-a total of 68 years! He had hiccups every 2 seconds for decades during this period.

If you have persistent hiccups, consult your doctor immediately. A through review may be needed and some medications or lifestyle changes may be helpful.



Source:http://www.healthx24.com/making-hiccups-go-away/

Pregnant women who drank appeared to be 8 percent more likely to have a low birth weight baby. There was also evidence that these women were 10 percent more likely to have a premature baby, though this link was less clear. The researchers said it’s also possible that there’s no link between a low level of drinking and premature birth.The new findings are based on an analysis of seven and nine studies, respectively, from the original 26 studies.
The review with seven studies included trials with as few as 500 women up to almost 9,000 women. The review with nine studies had trials with as few as 500 and as many as 36,000 women.

The researchers acknowledged that the findings aren’t definitive, in part due to limitations in the studies they examined. For example, one study didn’t adjust its figures so it wouldn’t be thrown off by factors such as high or low numbers of participants who smoked and were poor, but others did.

Clearly, more studies are needed to provide better evidence for pregnant women.

Nevertheless, should pregnant women forgo drinking alcohol in the light of current evidence?



http://www.healthx24.com/drink-during-pregnancy/

A new review of several existing studies hints that small amounts of alcohol may slightly boost the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. However, scientist are still unable to provide conclusive evidence on the impact of drinking occasionally during pregnancy.
The new study titled ‘Low alcohol consumption and pregnancy and childhood outcomes: time to change guidelines indicating apparently ‘safe’ levels of alcohol during pregnancy?” appeared online Sept. 11 in the journal BMJ Open.

The researchers acknowledge that the studies so far have been sparse and, in some cases, flimsy.

According to the lead author Dr Mamluk in an interview with HealthDay,

Some evidence that even light alcohol consumption in pregnancy is associated with risk of delivering a small baby and, to some extent, also with the risk of premature delivery, although this was less clear.

How does alcohol affect the unborn baby?

“When a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy, the alcohol in her blood quickly passes through the placenta and the umbilical cord to the baby,” Dr Paul Jarris explained.
Any amount of alcohol at any time during pregnancy can harm the baby’s developing brain and other organs. And every pregnancy is different, so no one can predict how alcohol will affect your baby

Jarris said it’s not clear “whether there is a safe level of alcohol after which problems occur, a threshold, or if any alcohol, even very small amounts, can cause harm to some infants that might be subtle and hard to detect.”


Source:http://www.healthx24.com/drink-during-pregnancy/

The common symptoms of decompression sickness are

Joint pains
Dizziness
Headache
Difficulty thinking clearly
Extreme fatigue
Tingling or numbness
Weakness in arms or legs
Skin rash
How can it be prevented?

According to experts, you may need to take the following precautions:

Dive and rise slowly in the water, and don’t stay at your deepest depth longer than recommended. Scuba divers typically use dive tables that show how long you can remain at a given depth.
Do not fly within 24 hours after diving.
Don’t drink alcohol before diving.
Avoid hot tubs, saunas or hot baths after diving.
Make sure you are well hydrated, well rested and prepared before you scuba dive. If you recently had a serious illness, injury or surgery, talk to your doctor before diving.
You may need to check with your doctor if you have a chronic medical condition like heart diseases, diabetes or lung diseases.



http://www.healthx24.com/decompression-sickness-diving/